Hello everyone.
I'm new and have joined the forum as I have just received a shocking diagnosis of breast cancer a few days ago and feeling emotionally overwhelmed. I'm looking to connect with people who understand and have been through it, as feeling quite alone and isolated and struggling to process the suddeness of this diagnosis.
I have been physically active and fit over many years and my diet has been clean most of the time, never drank or smoked and always was a healthy weight. No immediate relatives with breast cancer although a maternal aunt had it. So this diagnosis has come out of nowhere for me. I had no lumps that any doctors could even feel, I was referred just because of my age (41) and because I had noticed a very subtle change in the appearance of my breast. I'd never had any problems or a mammogram before. When they said they found 2 suspicious small lumps I couldn't believe it as I'd had practically zero symptoms.
I'm still at the diagnosis/treatment planning stage of the process but ultrasound, mammogram and biopsy showed stage 1, grade 1 IDC, which is ER+, PR+ and HER2- which I have been told is highly treatable. My next step is to have a contrast imaging test to rule out any further tumours in the right breast (as I have 2 close together that they have found). I am feeling anxious that there is a possibility that more may be found.
I just feel so sad, and like my life is going to change forever and nobody I know my age understands how I'm really feeling and how isolating it is because it's much rarer in under 50s. I'm afraid of the stage/grading changing as it's soon already going to be a month since I had my biopsy done and I can't help but worry about it spreading to my lymph nodes during the wait (they showed as clear on the ultrasound scan).
I guess I'm just looking for guidance and reassurance as I never imagined I'd find myself in this situation, it really has blindsided me and my family and I have been told it could have been silently growing over many years which is terrifying. New to all of this so would really appreciate connecting with anyone in a similar situation. I'm scared of what lays ahead. Thanks so much
I am sorry you have been diagnosed with breast cancer. I am Not a member of this community (sadly too old!) but am one of the community champions on the breast cancer forums. You might also like to post on our main Breast cancer forum as it’s busier there and we do have regular posters who are under 50.
Unfortunately breast cancer can strike anyone and it’s unlikely to be anything to do with your lifestyle. With your age, they may offer genetic testing, but it might just be entirely random. You mention it’s grade 1. That’s really good news as it’s likely to be slow growing and contained. And as you say, hormone driven cancers are very treatable. I hope this proves to be a small blip in the road for you.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
I am a Macmillan volunteer.
I have metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer, in remission
Hi
I just wanted to reply because I remember having many of the same thoughts and fears when I was first diagnosed. You are definitely not alone.
I'm 41 years old and mom of 3 kids and was diagnosed with HER2-positive Stage 4 breast cancer about a year ago. My cancer had already spread to the bones in my spine, pelvis, and neck when I was diagnosed.
I completed 6 cycles of chemotherapy, and now I'm on hormone therapy, receiving Phesgo and Denosumab every three weeks.
When I first heard the words "Stage 4," I was terrified and thought my future had disappeared. But over the past year I've learned that treatments for HER2-positive breast cancer have come a long way. My treatment has been working, and I'm still here, living my life one step at a time.
I know our situations aren't exactly the same, but I wanted you to know that you're not facing this on your own. This community has helped so many people, and I hope it will help you too.
Take things one day at a time, try not to let your mind jump too far ahead, and don't lose hope. I'm sending you a big hug, and if you ever want to chat, I'm here. 
️
